Atty. Christopher J. Burns
“I am privileged to help people every day plan for their futures and provide them with peace of mind knowing that their affairs are in order. For me, there is no job better than being a trusted advocate.” My clients receive my undivided attention.
Profile Summary
About Christopher J. Burns at a glance
Christopher J. Burns is a trusts and elder law attorney based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, practicing at Henson Efron. Admitted to practice in Minnesota, United States District Court, District of MN. Educated at Syracuse University (J.D., 1999) and University of Wisconsin–River Falls (B.A., 1995). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Elder Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Trusts and Estates (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates (2026). Serands clients in Minneapolis, MN and the surrounding metropolitan area.
Want to Get Service From This Attorney?
Sign up free and choose one of the two methods below.
Have a legal question? Sign up free, submit it through the Ask the Attorney module and receive a focused answer from a specialist.
- Free to ask a question
- Answers from specialist attorneys
- Optional private / anonymous question
Request an online video meeting or an in-person consultation at the attorney's office. Pick a time that works for you and share the details securely.
- Online video meeting
- In-person at the attorney's office
- Secure messaging and payment
About
“I am privileged to help people every day plan for their futures and provide them with peace of mind knowing that their affairs are in order. For me, there is no job better than being a trusted advocate.”
My clients receive my undivided attention. I focus on learning your story and understanding your specific needs. With a broad base of legal knowledge, I will thoughtfully consider your issues, identify your options, and strategically use the right tools to accomplish your goals.
With nearly 20 years of experience, I bring considerable expertise in the following areas:
- estate planning: planning and preparation of wills, revocable trusts, health care directives, financial powers of attorney, beneficiary designations for life insurance, and retirement plan
- sestate and trust administration
- litigation of contested probate, trust, guardianship, and conservatorship matters
- business succession planning
- private foundation administration
- antenuptial/prenuptial agreements
- drafting and administration of family limited partnerships (FLPs); family cabin trusts/Limited Liability Companies (LLCs); irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs); qualified domestic trusts (QDOTs); grantor trusts (GRATs); intentionally defective grantor trusts (IDGTs); charitable remainder trusts (CRTs); charitable lead trusts (CLTs); special and supplemental needs trusts
Conscientious in my approach, I will engage you in a conversation to explore the advantages, disadvantages, and challenges of important life decisions. Your best interests are my top priority.
In addition to my practice, I teach continuing education courses to lawyers, accountants, and financial advisors on a variety of estate planning, business succession planning, and estate administration topics. I am dedicated to serving my community through prominent roles in local government, and committed to education. It was an honor to be named “Hero of the Week” by a radio station, designated a “North Star Lawyer” by the Minnesota State Bar Association, and recognized for my commitment to pro bono work by Woodbury Magazine. I enjoy spending time with my wife and children, and we are active members of our church. In addition, I like reading, writing, politics, bicycling, and playing and watching basketball.
See my full bio here.
Practice Areas Explained
Christopher J. Burns's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Christopher J. Burns handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Christopher J. Burns is one of 104,172 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in Minnesota →
Elder law attorneys for Medicaid planning, long-term care, guardianship, conservatorship, and elder abuse.
Christopher J. Burns is one of 53,430 elder law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse elder law attorneys in Minnesota →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Minnesota
Practicing law in Minnesota. Legal matters in Minnesota are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Minneapolis are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Minnesota state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Minnesota brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Minnesota courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional Minnesota attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Minneapolis or all attorneys in Minnesota.
Frequently Asked
Common questions about Christopher J. Burns
Where is Christopher J. Burns's law office located?
What practice areas does Christopher J. Burns handle?
Where did Christopher J. Burns go to law school?
How can I contact Christopher J. Burns for a consultation?
What awards or recognition has Christopher J. Burns received?
Practice Areas
Education
Awards
Bar Admissions
Reviews
No reviews yet.